OLB OLIVIER VERNON

Vernon will be a key piece in James Bettcher's new and aggressive scheme. Vernon has moved from a 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker, pitting him against left tackle Nate Solder in what is the one-on-one competition to watch this summer.

TE RHETT ELLISON

Everyone knows about the Giants' weapons, but don't sleep on the Ellison. He's highly regarded among coaches and teammates as the consummate professional, but that doesn't mean he can't catch passes. Backup quarterback Davis Webb thought the veteran tight end had the best spring of anybody on the team. Ellison also has previous experience playing under coach Pat Shurmur in Minnesota.

DB CURTIS RILEY

With two-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins limited this spring, Riley relished the opportunity to play a large share of reps with the first team as the former Titan transitions from cornerback. He spent much of OTAs and minicamp alongside safety Andrew Adams.

CB ELI APPLE

Good or bad, cornerbacks need to have short memories and move on. After a productive rookie campaign in which the defense led the way to Big Blue's first postseason appearance since winning Super Bowl XLVI, the former 10th overall draft selection fell into a sophomore slump in 2017. With the arrival of a new coaching staff and general manager, Apple, set to turn 23 on the day of the Giants' preseason opener, received a clean slate and will be a factor in the defense's success this season.

RB SAQUON BARKLEY

With the ink still drying on his first NFL contract, the man they call "Sa-quads" headlines a draft class that has fans excited. After selecting the Penn State running back second overall, the Giants bolstered their offensive line with 6-foot-2, 327-pound guard Will Hernandez.